Machined Plastics Parts

Machined plastic parts

We have specialised in the manufacture of high quality CNC machined components made of plastic for virtually industry. We provide you with virtually unlimited processing possibilities and a leading manufacturer with one-of-a-kind installations and machinery. We have modern, high-performance CNC machining centres. Our high-precision CNC systems are equipped with dry and wet processing as well as internally cooled tools.

Currently for our plastic machining services we have, among others, more than:

• 220 CNC milling machines
• 150 CNC lathes
• 15 automatic profiling machines
• and a wide variety of profile extruders with over 600 Tools

Combined components: The workflows are also designed for the production and assembling of complete assembly groups.

Custom machined parts - Understanding your application

Every industry has different requirements for material and products. For this reason, we analyse in-depth the specific needs in the varoiuis industries. Our goals is to develop and machine plastics parts that are perfect fit for the respective intendend applications.

Our experts are here to assist you with all aspects of your Project. We would be delighted to visit you and examine in Detail your challeging task on site.

Technical details of CNC plastic machining

The machines used in CNC plastic machining are milling machines with 3 axes with digital control.  They are automated and controlled by a computer that determines the path of the cutter according to the 3D file to be created. In plastic CNC machining, no molds are needed, thus reducing the costs and startup times. The machines can design several identical copies and thus obtain the same quality for all copies of a lot, but few economies of scale are possible. The wide choice of thermoplastics and metals allows parts to be obtained with the desired physical properties.

Plastic CNC turning

Hony CNC turning involves holding a plastic piece in place on a lathe, which is then rotated against the cutting tool in a spinning or turning motion. There are many different forms of CNC turning, each with its own unique purposes and results. For instance, straight or cylindrical CNC turning is best for large cuts, while taper CNC turning creates a distinct cone-like shape.

Specific guidelines for creating plastic parts with CNC turning machines include:

• Minimizing rubbing by making sure cutting edges have a negative back rake
• Using generous relief angles for cutting edges
• Polishing top surfaces to help reduce material buildup and yield a better surfact finish
• Using fine C-2 grade carbide inserts

For rough cuts, we recommend using a feed rate of 0.015 IPR. For more precise final cuts, we recommend a feed rate of 0.005 IPR. Product teams should also know that clearance angles, rake angles, and side angles will change depending on the material used in CNC turning.

Plastic CNC milling

HONY CNC milling is a computer-controlled milling process that uses a cylindrical rotating tool, called a milling cutter, to remove material from a solid workpiece and reveal a finished part. CNC milling machined can be broken down into two broad categories - 3-axis mills and multi-axis mills. 3-axis mills move the cutting tool or the workpiece along three linear axes - left to right, back and forth, up and down - and are best for creating simpler designs. Multi-axis mills, including milling machines with four axes or more, are best for creating plastic parts with complicated geometries.

Specific guidelines for creating plastic parts via CNC milling include:

• Using carbon tooling if you're machining with a thermoplastic that has been reinforced with glass or carbon fibers
• Using clamps to achieve higher spindle speeds

Creating rounded internal cornera and pockets with end mills to mitigate stress concentration

Plastic CNC drilling

HONY CNC drilling involves using a drill bit to drill holes into a plastic block. A spindle, which secures the block and CNC drill, lowers onto the block and then drills the appropriately-sized holes. There are multiple kinds of drill presses you can use with a CNC drilling machine, including upright, bench, and radial CNC drill presses.

When you're creating plastic components via CNC drilling, it`s critical that you keep CNC drill bits sharp. Dull or incorrectly shaped drills can put too much stress on the part, causing tooling problems and performance issues. For most thermoplastics,we recommend using a 90 to 118° drill bit with a 9 to 15° lip angle. If you`re drilling with acrylic, you should use a 0° rake.

The ejection of the CNC drill is also essential as poor chip ejection can cause friction and build heat. Since CNC drilling generates more heat than any other CNC machining process, heat reduction is critical to minimizing stress and damage. To safely remove a CNC drill without damaging the part, try to make sure the drilling depth isn`t more than three or four times the drill diameter and reduce the feed rate when the drill has almost exited the material.

Plastic CNC machining with Fast Radius

Following the guidelines in this article can help you successfully create plastic parts with CNC drilling, turning, and milling. But keep in mind that these guidelines are just that - guidelines! Depending on the complexity of your project, you might need to adjust these guidelines to suit your specific manufacturing requirements.

A seasoned manufacturing partner like Fast Radius can help you make the right decisions when it comes to plastic CNC machining. Our team can give you expert advice throughout the entire manufacturing process, taking all necessary guidelines into consideration. At Fast Radius, we`re committed to helping you produce the best possible CNC machined plastic part. 

Machined plastic parts Material 

ABS
acrylic acid
Acetal / Polyoxymethylene / POM
Nylon / Polycaprolactam
PC / polycarbonate
PEEK / polyether ether ketone resin
Glass-filled PEEK
PP Polypropylene
PTFE / Polytetrafluoroethylene
PVDF
UHMW PE / Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene